What you need to know before you go to the Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair in Columbus, Ohio has been a family tradition since 1850.

To make the most of your visit, I’m sharing tips and what you need to know before you go for families attending the fair in 2024.

When is the Ohio State Fair?

The Ohio State Fair is from July 24 – August 4, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio.

18 Tips For A Great Visit to The Ohio State Fair

Plan ahead and use these tips before you go to the Ohio State Fair.

1. Dress for Comfort

Comfort is key because you’ll be putting in a lot of miles during your visit. Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.

Don’t forget sunscreen because it can get HOT.

2. Bring Bottled Water and Snacks

You’re allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the fair. Save money by bringing your own water and then you can enjoy more vendor foods. I suggest packing a small backpack.

*No glass containers are permitted.

3. Visit the ATM Before You Arrive

Most of the vendors prefer cash. If you need to use the ATM at the fair you’ll be charged a service fee on top of any additional fees from your bank.

*All Ohio State Fair rides and games are cashless.

4. Bring a Battery Charger for Your Phone

Your battery life can go down quickly during a long day at the fair. Pack a power charger stay connected and still take pictures while you are at the fair.

5. Bring a Stroller or Wagon for Younger Kids

You don’t want to have to carry kids and a bunch of stuff at the end of the day.

Make your life easier by having an option for kids who grow tired. If you forgot your stroller at home, there are rentals available at the fair.

6. Download the Ohio State Fair App or Take a daily schedule with a fair map

Make sure that you check out the daily schedule so that you don’t miss any of the events that your family would be interested in.

I’d recommend downloading the Ohio State Fair App so that you can easily access all of the info on your phone. The app has the most up-to-date daily schedule, an interactive map, photo filters, audio tours, and more.

There are lots of free events and activities going on throughout the day. Use the schedule and map to help plan your day and avoid a lot of backtracking.

7. Set a Spending Budget

Help your kids understand their options and let them be part of the decision-making process. This is especially helpful when it comes to sampling different types of foods at the fair.

Share items so you can sample more or allow each person to choose a few items they really want to try on their own.

8. Drop a Location Pin or Take a picture of where you parked

It’s easy to forget where you parked your vehicle surrounded by hundreds of cars in the parking lot.

Use Google or Apple Maps to pin your exact parking lot location.

Take a picture and take advantage of the complimentary shuttles to and from the parking lot to the gate entrance.

General parking is free to fairgoers in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate.

9. Establish a Plan Ahead of Time in Case Someone in Your Party Gets Lost

Communicate to your kids what to do if they get separated from you. There are Lost Kid stations located at the park.

10. Younger families: Be on the lookout for Infant Care and Nursing Stations

Several infant care and nursing stations are located at the fair where you can change a diaper or enjoy privacy if you are a nursing mom.

• Lausche Youth Exploration Space,
• Kiddieland
• Kasich Hall
• Bricker MarketPlace Building

11. Sample the Ohio State Fair Foods

No visit to the fair is complete without trying some of the fair food! There is an Ohio State Fair app to help you locate your favorite fair foods and other points of interest.

12. Use This Resource for Guests With Special Dietary Restrictions

There is a full list of specialty dishes for dietary restrictions in the Ohio State Fair app.

Guests with special dietary restrictions will still find plenty of vendors at the fair with the following options:

• Dairy-free
• Tree nut free
• Egg-free
• Sugar- free
• Gluten-free
• Wheat free
• Peanut free
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

13. Save on Food Samples – $3 Thursdays

Don’t miss $3 Thursday on July 25 and Aug. 1! On both Thursdays of the Ohio State Fair, all vendors will offer a menu item of their choice at a smaller size for just $3!

This is a great way to sample more of the 14 options for signature fair food.

Unique Foods From Vendors at the Ohio State Fair

Be on the lookout for these unique items from vendors.

Learn more here.

• Asian Cajun and Cleveland Corned Egg Rolls – Eggroll Love
• Blueberry Crumble Sundae – North American Food Service, Inc
• Bombz – Fork’et Me Not
• Carmel Popcorn Ice Cream – Velvet Ice Cream
• Cauliflower Tacos – Fork’et Me Not
• Cheesecake Sundae – Ohio Poultry Association
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Funnel Cake – GH Concessions, Inc.
• Cookie Monster Sundae – North American Food Service, Inc.
• Cotton Candy Cream Puff – Schmidt’s of German Village
• Deviled Eggs – Devilishly Good
• Fresh Strawberry Parfait (Non-dairy) – JL United, Strawberries and Creme
• Maple Bacon Funnel Cake – GH Concessions, Inc.
• Mermaids Dippin Dots Float – Ohio Dots, Otter Concessions
• Mexican Street Corn Corndog – Miller & Company Concessions
• Mini Pickle, Strawberry, Lemon Blueberry, or Watermelon mint Ice Pops – Eaton Concessions, Eaton Cookies
• Peanut Butter S’mores Funnel Cake – Hill Concessions
• Pickle Lemonade – Miller & Company Concessions
• Pickle Pizza – GH Concessions, Inc.
• Superhero Soup – S & C Concessions
• Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Leg – Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ
• World’s Largest Gummy Bear, Gummy Corndog and Pickle – Brosco, “The Gummy Bear Guy”
• Yum Yum Chicken or Shrimp Loaded Fries – Fork’et Me Not
• Yum Yum Chicken or Shrimp Tacos – Fork’et Me Not
• Yum Yum Chicken, Blackened Chicken, or Shrimp Mac & Cheese – Fork’et Me Not

Our Favorite Classic Fair Foods at the Ohio State Fair

A few of our favorites during our previous visit to the Ohio State Fair were

• French waffles
• “Pig Wings” and Pork lender loin on a stick at Ohio Pork
• Dole Whip
• Lemon Shakeup
• Bacon wrapped deep fried Oreo
• Deep fried Buckeye
• Ice cream sundae funnel cake
• Schmidt’s Sausage and Cream puff

A few other noteworthy fair foods are

• Roasted Corn
• Deep fried taco
• Donut Burger
• Cheese Curds
• Tater Tots

14. Take Pictures with a Few of the Icons at the Ohio State Fair

It’s fun to compare pictures over the years with some of your favorite icons if you visit the Ohio State Fair annually with family or friends.

Be on the lookout for the following Insta-worthy icons at the Ohio State Fair:

• Butter Cow
• Ohio sign
• Smoky the Bear
• Red Cardinal

15. Visit the Animals and Be Curious

There is no such thing as a stupid question!

Learn more about the animals and farm life from the people you meet inside the barns and get a greater appreciation of what goes into the meaning of farm to table.

16. Visit the Natural Resources Park

This park is such a gem and almost makes you forget you’re still at the fair.

The Natural Resources Park is operated by the Department of Natural Resources and provides guests with opportunities to connect and learn more about nature with hands-on activities and exhibits.

Kids under 14 can learn to fish in addition to other outdoor activities.

The natural environment is extremely relaxing and a wonderful place to reconnect with nature.

There is an aviary, animal rescue, butterfly house, playground, archery range, and many hands-on learning areas.

17. Don’t Forget the Exhibit Halls

There’s a lot of talent on display in the exhibit halls. Take a few moments and enjoy the creativity on display in various mediums.

18. Purchase a Ride All-Day wristband if you plan on riding a lot of rides

If you plan on going on multiple rides, there’s a greater value if you purchase a wristband.

If your kids can ride the rides without an adult, you may not need to purchase a wristband.

*Wrist bands do not work for the SkyGlider ride.

Find More Information on the Ohio State Fair

You can find out more information on the Ohio State Fair website.

Future Ohio State Fair Dates

2025: July 23 – Aug. 3, 2025
2026: July 29 – Aug. 9, 2026
2027: July 28 – Aug. 8, 2027

Thanks again to the Ohio State Fair for hosting our visit.